{This post is one in a series called, “Top 10 Fears”, in which I speak to the most common fears parents express about homeschooling the high school years. To see all the topics, or to start at the beginning, click HERE.}

Fear #5

Homeschooling won’t prepare your kid for college

I love my job, I really do.

One of the reasons is because I get to use phrases like, “hog wash” and say stuff like, “preposterous” more than most people.

This is one of those times. That’s because the fear of homeschoolers not getting into college couldn’t be any more false than it already is. And yet it is. It’s actually more than false, negative-false, and false to the highest degree.

You see, homeschoolers get into colleges in very high numbers. I’m talking about all kinds of homeschooled kids, with all kids of homeschool backgrounds, into all kinds of colleges nationwide and overseas.

Want proof? All you have to do is start reading.

There are lots and lots of testimonials of homeschoolers succeeding in college, and lots and lots of research confirming exactly what you want to know — that homeschoolers rock college. Easily, too.

Did you know that homeschoolers are sought after by many colleges?

Did you realize that homeschoolers can actually get in more easily, may graduate sooner, might earn more financial aid, frequently enter with more early credit, and can even have a higher graduation rate than other students?

Do you get how well-prepared and attractive to colleges homeschoolers are, as compared to their same-age peers who’ve all had the same exact set of courses in high school?

Have you even thought about how [much more] amazing your kid is going to be after spending the next four years following a completely customized curriculum designed to turn him/her into a top college prospect?

Rest easy, parents. Your homeschooler will get in just fine. But if you’d like to read more, check out the links I’ve included for you below. You can also chat with me to make sure you’re doing all the right stuff to maximize your chances. I’d be honored to play a role on your successful team.

Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau is a college professor who traded in her tenure to become a homeschool mom 20+ years ago. The founder of many homeschool groups and organizations, she works to advance home education, and is an outspoken supporter of education reform coast to coast. Her book, Suddenly Homeschooling: A Quick Start Guide to Legally Homeschool in Two Weeks, is industry-acclaimed as it illustrates how homeschooling can rescue children and families from the system, and how anyone can begin homeschooling within a limited time-frame, or with no educational background whatsoever. A liaison for regional school-to-home organizations and a homeschool leader in Florida, Marie-Claire also mentors homeschool families nationwide. A conference speaker, she has appeared at FPEA, H.E.R.I., Home Education Council of America, and many other events. She currently writes for audiences at Quick Start Homeschool, which she founded in 2010, and as a guest writer on other sites as often as she can. Her articles have appeared in CONNECT magazine, on Homefires, atCircle of Moms, and she has contributed to hundreds of other blogs nationwide. Dr. Moreau can be reached at contactmarieclaire@gmail.com.

With all the chatter about socialization and homeschool isolation, I thought this might be a good day to post a little graphic for you all.

I regularly read the stats, so your takeaway may be different from mine, but what stood out for me on this one was the illustrated portion attacking homeschool isolation myths. In light of recent events on television and social media (like celebrities throwing their .02 into the pot), I found it a particularly good depiction of just WHERE and HOW homeschoolers actually learn.

Even when homeschooling is well understood, parents may worry their children won’t be treated the same. Moms and dads want to know if their students can still earn awards, graduate with honors, win scholarships, enter competitions, and do all of the other things that kids do. In my experience, high achieving parents in particular — those choosing homeschooling mainly for its academic advantages and the rewards that follow – often want reassurance that nothing will be missing from their child’s educational experience.

The good news is there is no shortage of honors, awards and titles available to homeschoolers. Homeschooled youth are recognized for their efforts and skills coast to coast. Many districts offer year-round opportunities where homeschooled students may participate. In districts that do not, regional homeschool groups usually pick up the slack and host activities of their own. I have seen the number of opportunities for homeschoolers increase tremendously in recent years. In fact, the only problem these days is choosing which of the many worthwhile titles to pursue!

It is very common to find today’s homeschoolers at spelling bees, 4-H fairs, robotics competitions, chess playoffs, geography bees, speech competitions, athletic playoffs, speaking as valedictorians at large graduations, and at many other events that showcase their records. Homeschoolers may be nominated for honor societies, too, as well as leadership programs, travel programs, entrepreneurial internship programs and more.

Science fairs is one area where homeschoolers shine. Coast to coast, homeschoolers hone their research and experimentation skills by designing projects for fair competition. Though many districts allow homeschool students to participate, some do not. Where no fairs exists, regional and statewide support groups can offer fairs of their own.

In my book, “The Homeschooler’s Guide to Science Fairs” (on AmazonHERE), I talk about the scientific process, project requirements, creating award-winning displays and more. The book also includes as whole section devoted to organizing a science fair in a region where one does not exist. Students learn so much more than just science at these competitions. I highly recommend this activity for all students.

If there was ever a right time to homeschool your child, that time is now. No longer different, homeschooling has reached the mainstream. And if being popular wasn’t already enough, it even seems to be getting a little trendy, too.

Why is this phenomenon growing so rapidly?

More importantly, why should YOU think about it now — even if you’ve never thought of it before?

1. Millions of people are doing it. It isn’t different any more. You’ll fit in easily.

2. It’s easier than ever. Boatloads of products have come out since the early days. There is something for every kind of kid there is.

3. It doesn’t cost a lot. Loads of families do it on the cheap. Much cheaper than private school.

4. You can work around it. You read that right. Lots of homeschool families work in the home, and outside, too.

5. The results just keep coming. If you weren’t sure before, be sure now. It works, and everybody knows it.

6. It’s a big world out there. That world is easier to access than ever. Except from behind a student desk 6 or 8 hours a day.

7. Individuality is the new normal. Why blend in with the pack when you can stand out instead?

8. Diversity shmiversity. Why teach something when you can experience it first-hand?

9. Take a good look at the kids that surround your children all day long. These are the people your children will soon become.

10. Because you can. It’s free and it’s legal. With very few strings attached. For many, that is reason enough.

Admit it. How many times have you thought about it already? How many people do you know that are already on board?

Starting to homeschool can be a very exciting time. Just about everyone looks forward to using new school supplies and turning the first crisp pages of a brand-new book.

But those first days can sometimes be accompanied by a bad case of the jitters, too. Parents may worry if everything they’ve planned will work out right. Kids sometimes wonder what the year will be like — particularly if they’ve been withdrawn from school and have been used to a different kind of school experience.

The first way to cope is to understand that first-day jitters are perfectly normal. Hardly anyone enters a brand-new situation without some degree of apprehension or curiosity about the process. Realizing that many homeschoolers — including parents and kids -sometimes get nervous and excited at the start of a new year may help to underscore how common the feeling really is. Even families who have homeschooled for many years sometimes find themselves hoping the year will go off without any major glitches.

The next trick to dealing with jitters is pacing oneself. Starting off gradually — even if only part-time for a week or two – works wonders to allay any worries about homeschooling for the first time. There is absolutely nothing wrong with trying out a subject or two before all of the others are added to the daily rotation. Jitters are quickly squelched when family members realize they have plenty of time to ease into the new routine.

Finally, accepting everyone’s best effort is necessary to handling homeschool jitters. Starting off with the goal of perfection creates a very high-stakes situation that few families are able to live up to. Instead, begin the year understanding that everyone has good days and bad days, and the expectation that not every day will be picture-perfect. Recognize that homeschooling isn’t just about education — it’s also about living life – and that life’s twists and turns will sometimes get in the way.

I have lost count of the number of parents who have asked me this question…or one just like it:

“I’m worried I’ll do it wrong.”

“How do I know it will work?”

“I’m afraid I might mess them up.”

“What if I forget something?”

“How do I know I can do this?”

“I just wish I could be sure I won’t break the kids.”

If this describes you, allow me to to hold your hand for just a moment. Let me reassure you that you’re not alone. Listen as I tell you that it’s normal for parents to wonder if they can really do this thing.

I have met many new and prospective homeschool parents over the years. I have counseled probably hundreds of parents thinking of quitting before they even got started. One of the #1 concerns I hear is about messing things up. Worrying about wrecking the kids. Fear that things may go very badly wrong and it’ll be all their fault.

You may find it hard to believe that almost every homeschool parent has had this thought in one form or another. Either privately or right out loud. Some don’t admit it. But many do. Some wonder only little bit. But others freak out entirely. I admit to worrying about certain things when I first started, too.

Parents must understand that this fear comes from their lack of experience. It is fueled by a lack of confidence because they have never done it before, so they haven’t had the opportunity to see positive results yet — results that just might mean things are actually working.

Homeschooling for the first time is a lot like doing anything new. Except it’s a little more complicated because it affects other people, too — little people — people who depend on their parents to make the right choices. Choices that might affect them for the rest of their lives.

Fears like this can be tough to combat. But the only way to see if it works is to give it a try. Forge ahead. Trust in the process. Trust in those who have done it before. Trust in those cheering for you. Because even though you think you can’t, they know you can. Trust in yourself that you know your children best and you know what’s good for them. Trust in the research that proves that other people’s kids haven’t been messed up, so yours probably won’t get messed up either.

I know it’s confusing. I know you’re afraid. But try to remember the last time you tried something new. And how after a while you looked back on it and realized you wasted way too much time worrying about it.

COMMENT below if you have specific fears and concerns. I’ll respond to them. And I’ll wish you well. Because we’ve all done it. And everybody knows you can, too!

So you’ve heard the hype about homeschooling. Seems like tons of people are either doing it, thinking about doing it, or know someone doing it. You’ve also heard the kids are smart, well-mannered and that they’re socially well-adjusted, too.

But you’re not sure about the results. You still have questions about where all of the homeschoolers are now. Where did they end up after graduation? Have that many homeschoolers even grown up yet? And does anybody know what they’re up to now?

…Yes!

Lots of homeschoolers have graduated by now! They’re academics, artists, athletes and more. They’re jogging down your street, living on your block, and working in your building. They’re in business, in industry and — yes – even in classrooms. They’re local and overseas. And many are homeschooling their own kids by now, too.

Homeschooling isn’t new any more. Research tells us that homeschoolers receive more money for college, go to college and stay in college. They graduate at higher rates. And just like in homeschool, they outperform many other college students, too. So you can bet that homeschoolers are succeeding in life.

Many homeschoolers start home businesses and, against the odds, are succeeding too. Think about the upbringing. Then, think about the self-sufficiency, the confidence, and the resourcefulness it takes to do so. Kids in homeschool households learn things like money management and financial responsibility early, so they’re not afraid to put these skills to the test on their own.

Entertainers? They’re out there. Artisans? Homeschoolers have that covered, too. Volunteers and missionaries? Yes. Doctors, lawyers and college professors? No problem.

The short answer is that homeschoolers become pretty much anything they want. They move on from high school just like other kids do. And they take with them a solid preparation and work ethic as they head out the door.

You may homeschool with confidence that homeschooled grads turn out okay. Actually, they do pretty well. You can read more about homeschoolers as adults in studies like the ones below. Or, just look around the office, the gym, the social club or the neighborhood for evidence, too.

Have you ever wondered what the future will be like for your kids? Not in the Jetson’s mode of transportation or Star Trek matching uniforms kind of way, but more as in how people will relate to one another, what the knowledge base will be and if humanity, optimism and global advancement will prevail.

Imagine a world full of children just like yours and mine growing into adults. Kids with passions who aren’t afraid to use them. Minds at work and brains overflowing with ideas. And the ability and confidence to put them to work.

Thankfully, homeschooling is growing by leaps and bounds. And, personally, I can hardly wait!

I recently chatted with a room full of homeschool students.

These phenomenal young people had just completed months-long science investigations and had poured their hearts and minds into unbelievable displays and incredible interactive demonstrations. They knew their topics inside and out and couldn’t wait to tell the rest of the world. What a treat to be in the prescence of these amazing young people and to be able to watch them take learning to the moon and back — just because they felt like it.

Imagine a world full of these kids as adults?

At the end of the day’s program, one of the judges, a librarian, asked to speak to the group before they dismantled their projects and took their trophies home.

She didn’t congratulate the students.

What she did instead was so much better.

“Our future is secure.” she told them. “With you at the helm,” she said, “our future is secure.”

I have been proud many times before but her words struck me so profoundly. She nearly blew me away.

Corny as it sounds, our kids are the future. And with kids like these, that future is guaranteed.

So, you’re thinking about homeschooling, and have heard lots of great things about it. Everyone says it really works. Plus, you’ve read the research, and it confirms that, too.

But, you’re still not convinced. Just because it works for other people, how will it really work for you? After all, your life is so busy/crazy/hectic. Your children are so <fill-in-the-blank>. Your spouse/relatives/friends aren’t all that supportive. Your home is too messy/noisy/small. Your budget is well…non-existent. And though you understand there is no crystal ball, you’d at least like to know that you stand a pretty good chance at success.

Okay.

First of all, rest assured, these concerns are not uncommon. Most parents, homeschooling and not, admit worrying about how well they’re doing every once in a while. It’s only natural to worry if you’re doing the right thing. It just shows how much you care. So that is that.

Next, remember that homeschooling doesn’t have to last forever. If you happen to still be on the fence, leaning more toward taking the plunge, but still not 100% sure, it may help you to understand that you can always put the children back in school if you someday change your mind. Boom.

So, with those concerns out of the way, let’s get to the real question, which is:

How will you know that homeschooling is successful?

…or, stated another way:

How do you know you children are learning?

There are lots of ways to measure homeschool success. It all depends on who you are and your definition of success. Some define success as ‘good grades’, while others look more at physical/emotional/mental gains. I’ll tackle every single one of these measures of success in future posts, if I haven’t already. But in the meanwhile, here they are.

No matter your definition and which measure(s) you use, the nice thing is that it doesn’t take long to gauge homeschooling success or failure. Because homeschooling is a lifestyle that you live 24/7, successes quickly make themselves apparent and problems tend to rise to the surface rather quickly. And — the great thing is that the process is so flexible and dynamic, that a couple of simple tweaks can easily improve success; thus, even so-called failures take very little time to turn around.

So, how do you know homeschool is working? You’ll know. Have confidence that you have made good parenting decisions in the past, and will have the same ability to make good homeschooling decisions in the future. You’ll know.

Have you even seen a child watching an action film or a favorite TV program? How about watching a kid in the stands at some enormous sports arena or at a live concert?

What do these kids do during the funny scenes? The moments of explosive action? The second or third musical encore?

Move to the edge of their seats, right?

Back straight, they lean in forward, even stretching their necks out as if trying to get in just a tiny bit closer to the action. You might even catch a big, wide smile, a gasp or look of amazement. Adults do it, too.

Now apply that to your child’s homeschool learning.

Which lessons do you assign that make your kids sit up straight? What topics get your child to lean in, neck bent, trying to get a closer look? Is there anything you currently do in your homeschool that gets your child to the edge of his seat?

If the answer is no, get busy!

Could it be that learning in your home is just a little too hum-drum?

Nothing beats watching a child find something that sparks an interest or ignites some major fascination. Though homeschooling learning doesn’t always have to be fun, at least some of it should! And learning is fun – that is, as long as it’s exactly what a child wants to learn about.

When children are interested – that is, really, really engaged – you’ll absolutely know it. There is no mistaking a child on the edge of her seat, soaking up everything she can. Make that happen a little bit more often, and you’ve got a full-blown passion on your hands, too.

Take a look at what you’ve got going on in your homeschool today. Make sure to incorporate ways to get your children sitting on the edge of their seats!

Dr. Moreau writes other articles that appear all over the web. This one appeared HERE today.